Chapter 48: Warmth
972 Words
Dr. Luo pressed her lips together, reaching out to pull Maggie's ears playfully.
"You, always so mischievous!"
After that, she patted Maggie’s arm around her waist.
“Let go now, or you might step on the puppy.”
Maggie looked back at the little dog clinging to her pants, gave her leg a shake, and the puppy immediately lay down on the floor.
“Sit still, little bulb.”
The dog, not understanding her words, thought it was a game and jumped back up happily. Emily Luo, looking at Maggie with a smile, said,
“Since you’ve taken good care of the puppy, let’s have a nice meal as a reward. I’ll cook, you feed the puppy.”
Maggie was surprised and widened her eyes.
“You can cook?”
Dr. Luo walked over to the open kitchen, tied an apron behind her back, and raised an eyebrow.
“Looks like you underestimated me.”
She then took out two boxes of frozen shrimp from one of her bags and asked Maggie,
“Is seafood okay?”
Maggie, still a bit stunned, nodded and pointed to the refrigerator.
“It's in there.”
Emily Luo turned to the refrigerator, expertly preparing the shrimp while Maggie watched in amazement. Dr. Luo moved with practiced efficiency, handling ingredients and utensils with a skill that made her seem like a seasoned housewife.
Maggie, sitting with the puppy on the floor, felt as if she were in awe of Dr. Luo’s skills.
When everything was ready, Dr. Luo put on a disposable mask and cap, turned on the stove, and started cooking.
Maggie’s eyes were glued to Emily Luo, who looked effortlessly graceful even while cooking. It was a side of her Maggie had never seen before, making her feel a deep sense of wonder.
As the kitchen lights dimmed and the table was set with three dishes and a soup, Maggie felt a sense of sudden contentment. Dr. Luo’s actions, even in something as simple as cooking, were imbued with a natural elegance that made everything feel serene.
Dr. Luo removed her mask and looked at Maggie.
“Aren’t you going to eat? What are you staring at?”
Maggie placed the puppy’s plate on the floor, stood up, and, admiring the beautifully arranged dishes, reached over to remove Dr. Luo’s hat. Her hair, previously pinned up, fell loosely around her shoulders, making her look even more captivating.
“I think I must have found a treasure…”
Emily Luo glanced at her without speaking, then tied her hair back.
“I’ll need several thousand years to find someone like Emily Luo…”
Dr. Luo stopped, laughing at Maggie’s exaggerated statement.
“Why are you being so dramatic? Hurry up and eat! I have things to do later.”
Maggie, momentarily taken aback, thought of Qiqi, and asked,
“Ah?”
“Stop ‘ah-ing,’ and wash your hands.”
Emily Luo brought out a small bowl and began serving soup. Maggie, grumbling slightly, went to wash her hands and sat at the bar, looking sulky. Dr. Luo, noticing this, threatened her playfully.
“Don’t give me that look, or I won’t come again.”
The threat worked, and Maggie immediately became attentive, asking cautiously,
“Where are you going later?”
Dr. Luo sat down and sampled the soup.
“I need to visit my grandparents and parents. Can’t spend all my time just seeing you.”
Maggie’s mood brightened instantly.
“Oh, I see!”
Emily Luo, now relaxed, encouraged Maggie to taste the food.
“Try the soup and see how it is.”
“Sure!”
Maggie eagerly took a bowl, crossed her legs, and started eating. Emily Luo watched her, puzzled by the odd way Maggie was eating. After a while, Emily Luo shook her head, resigning herself to Maggie’s quirks.
As Maggie enjoyed the meal, she praised Emily Luo’s cooking, which, though simple, was comforting and full of homey flavor.
“Is it good?”
“Really good~~”
Maggie’s enthusiastic response was matched by her genuine appreciation of Emily Luo’s cooking.
Emily Luo then asked about Maggie’s family, revealing she lived alone most of the time.
Maggie seized the opportunity to suggest,
“Why not move in with me? It can get quite lonely living alone.”
Although Maggie’s suggestion was earnest, it carried an undertone of mischief. Emily Luo’s reaction was one of mild surprise, though she didn’t pursue the topic further.
The next day at work, Maggie’s good mood was evident to everyone. Dressed in a light gray skirt and chiffon blouse, with a peachy gloss on her lips, she radiated warmth and cheerfulness.
At the office, Zachary asked Maggie to visit President Gao’s office, hinting it was about a new product launch. Maggie was surprised and curious about the reason for her involvement.
“Why me? Aren’t you going?”
Zachary explained,
“The design concept is quite unconventional. You could bring a fresh perspective, making this an innovative opportunity for both you and the company. On the flip side, if it fails…”
Maggie, smiling, responded,
“Well, as a newcomer, failure is part of the journey.”
Zachary nodded,
“I’m representing the company’s design aspect. The higher-ups are cautious.”
Maggie pondered and agreed that it was still a good opportunity, though Zachary advised being prepared for any possible downsides.
“Will you feel threatened if I succeed?”
Zachary laughed,
“From your first day, I’ve been ready to retire. I hope you establish yourself soon so I don’t have to work too hard.”
Maggie joked,
“I plan to be your sidekick until you retire.”
With that, she headed to the break room to get some coffee, enjoying the positive vibes and looking forward to the new challenge.
- Writer
